Alta Harriett Heffele, age 89, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2009 at Birchview Memory Care in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.

She was born on May 30, 1920 in Turtle Lake, North Dakota to Halvor and Anna Anderson Seltveit. Alta graduated from Turtle Lake High School. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake, where she grew up.

She was married to Hilbert Heffele on October 8, 1941 and they celebrated 67 years together until his passing in November 2008. Alta was a resident of Sedro-Woolley since 1956, having resided in Grotto, WA, Tacoma, WA, and Baltimore, MD. From 1966 to 1979, she worked as a housekeeper at the Skagit and Cocusa Motels. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and collecting buttons, stamps, and spoons. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Alta is survived by her son, Richard Heffele of Sedro-Woolley; two granddaughters: Trisha Holmgren and her husband Craig of Big Lake and Bridget Heffele of Sedro-Woolley; three great-grandchildren: Rochelle Holmgren and her companion Sean Stuart of Clear Lake and Kyler and Jadyn Holmgren of Big Lake; a great-great-granddaughter, Gwendolyn Stuart of Clear Lake; her brother, Alvin Seltveit and his wife Lylith of Renton, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, a brother, Arne, and sisters, Gertie and Vera.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Birchview Memory Care and Skagit Hospice for the excellent care given to Alta.

Funeral Services will be Monday, January 4, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Walt Rice officiating followed by a private family committal service at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. A reception will follow the services in the church fellowship room.

Memorials are suggested to N.W. Parkinson’s Foundation, Skagit Hospice, or Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Arrangements and services are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.